Frequently Asked Questions*

1. Q:   What is a School Bond Referendum?
   A:   A bond referendum is for the construction of a new K-12 educational facility for the students of RCW.
2. Q:   Why does RCW need a bond referendum?
   A:   To provide a solid K-12 educational program and work towards the board goal of operating in one facility.
   A:   To address aging and inefficient facilities.
   A:   To provide the most efficient use of our funding dollars in educational opportunities to our students--the leaders of the future.
   A:   To provide a safe school environment that will bring the RCW facility up to date in a changing world.
3. Q:   What is the bond referendum amount?
   A:   $19,460,000--payable over 25 years.
4. Q:   Where can I learn more?
   A:   Supt. Bagstad will be available at local businesses and groups. Look for posters displaying scheduled events. Additional community meetings will be held in July and August.
5. Q:   When and where do I vote?
   A:   The RCW Bond Referendum vote will be held in conjunction with the Primary Election September 9, 2008. Votes will be cast at your individual precinct locations.
6. Q:   What happens if we do not do anything with the current school structure?
   A:   Renville County West will continue to pay for two inefficient buildings with funds that could be used for curriculum and enhancement of student opportunities and achievement.
7. Q:   How will school safety be improved with a new building?
   A:   For safety of students and staff there will be one main entrance open during the day, forced entry proof doors on all classrooms, and separate bus and vehicle drop off for students.
8. Q:   What will be the operational cost savings of a new building?
   A:   With the construction of a new K-12 facility, Renville County West is conservatively projecting an approximate $200,000 savings in facility operations.
9. Q:   Where will I vote for the September 9th primary?
   A:   The Renville County West bond referendum vote will be held in conjunction with the Primary Election September 9, 2008. Voting will be held at individual precinct locations.
10. Q:   What about our current district's declining enrollment?
    A:   Projected enrollment at Renville County West estimates kindergarten enrollments to maintain numbers in the forties range. These numbers as well as live birth data for our communities are supportive of a trend that the district's declining enrollment is leveling off and will continue as a two section school in the future. According to the Minnesota Population Projections, 2005-2035 report, an increase of 2-15% is projected for persons 0-14 years of age for Renville County.
11. Q:   why can't we use one of the current buildings to house all of the students?
    A:   The RCW Facilities Task Force worked with MLA Architects to investigate this option. To address all the deficiency items in the existing Renville County West High School as well as meet the educational space requirements, the estimated total project cost was $14,461,932; 74% of the cost of a new school of $19,460,000. This amount exceeded the Minnesota Department of Education Planning Guidelines 60% Rule; “when estimate costs of renovating a school facility approaches 60% of the cost of replacing the facility, the school district needs to replace the facility”...in addition; “in a proposed renovation project, it is expected to bring the existing facility up to current codes and address educational deficiencies.”
    The existing Renville County West Elementary School site is only 4.4 acres and could not support any additions which were required for a K-12 School Building. This option was decided by the Facility Task Force to not pursue any further.
12. Q:   How will the community be able to use a new building?
    A:   The proposed new Renville County West K-12 facility will focus on availablity and opportunities for community activities and involvement. With the only facility in the three communities to be technologically state of the art and constructed in an environmentally friendly manner, citizens will have opportunities to utitlize the facility and amenities in many ways. Community use amenities include:   state of the art technology, open gym and commons space, weight room/fitness center, accessible media center, community room, and auditorium.
13. Q:   How can I find out what the tax impact will be for the propert I own?
    A:   Mr. Bagstad has been sharing preliminary tax impact information at his meetings. However, if you own multiple parcles or agricultural/commercial property or just want to know what the exact tax impact will be for your residential property, Ehlers and Associates, a longtime partner of RCW, will he happy to assist. The following simple steps will help you get your tax impact information:
    • Collect the parcel I.D. numbers from your tax statements.
    • Have an email address or a telephone number available so that Ehlers and Associates can contact you.
    • Call 1-800-552-1171 and ask for an education team member, Gary Olsen, or Carolyn Drude.
    A representative from Ehlers and Associates will contact the county auditors and calculate the tax impact for the parcel I.D. numbers provided.

* Click here to read detailed answers to the frequently asked questions.